Early on in life, when our opinions and ideas about things are not yet fully formed, and we might be parroting our parents or teachers or friends, we often raise our voices to express our opinion in inverse proportion to how comfortable we are with them. It’s as if we are trying them out to see how they fit but don’t want to admit it so we flaunt them with the assuredness only available to the young.
As we age we hopefully start to realize a few things. First, we don’t have to always prove ourselves. Second, we don’t have to change our mind to fit someone else’s opinion just because we listen to them, and third, we can still love those we disagree with.
I had a conversation recently with someone who said ‘people never change’. By that she meant, their base personality doesn’t change, and I, for the most part, agree with that. But I also feel like experience and wisdom and circumstances and habits can all modify, contract or expand one’s personality in new and better directions…IF one is deliberate about facing one’s self, willing to learn and grow and become more of their best self.
Then they will be comfortable in their own skin.
Speaking of, I forgot to mention which Super Bowl ad was my favorite. There were a few, but the one I liked best was the Dove Men + Care commercial that showed a furious montage of a man’s life from birth until his daughters are grown up. Then it cuts to him smiling serenely while laying on the grass. He is comfortable in his own skin is the idea.
Of course, Dove is advertising the reality that while a man might be comfortable in his metaphorical skin of life, his actual skin might need some help.
I thought the commercial was spot on for men about my age, and who knows, maybe the products are too. I will report back, ok?
Drawing and commentary © Marty Coleman
“Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.” – John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963, 32nd President of the United States
>Yes, modifying might be a better word, transforming even.
>Love the napkin Marty.
I think people can change. Not their core personality of course, but I have seen people change.